Strengthening Survivor-Centered GBV Response Systems in Fragile Contexts: Evidence from a Rapid Assessment of Referral Pathways in Twic and Gogrial West, South Sudan
Webinar (em inglês) | Online
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Organizado por:
WVUS
Sobre o evento
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most serious threats to the safety and dignity of women and girls in South Sudan. Despite government and humanitarian efforts, survivors, especially in remote and conflict-affected areas, continue to face major barriers in accessing timely, confidential, and coordinated support. To generate evidence for programs and policy improvement, World Vision South Sudan commissioned a rapid assessment of GBV referral networks in Twic and Gogrial West Counties of Warrap State. The goal was to identify service gaps, coordination challenges, and promising practices to strengthen survivor-centered response systems.
A mixed-method design was used, engaging 520 household surveys, 20 key informant interviews, and 10 focus group discussions. Respondents included community members, GBV service providers, and local authorities. Sampling was stratified by gender, age, and displacement status to ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to validate findings and ensure credibility.
The study established that 49% of respondents were unaware of available GBV referral services. Access to care was constrained by long distances, limited trained personnel, and weak coordination among health, legal, psychosocial, and protection actors. Livelihood and legal services were rated least effective and least affordable, while stigma, cultural norms, and fear of retaliation discouraged survivors from seeking help. Despite these challenges, positive developments were noted, including NGO-led awareness campaigns, improved inter-agency coordination, and expanded clinical management of rape services in selected facilities.
The assessment recommends decentralizing GBV services to community levels, investing in staff capacity through continuous, survivor-centered training, strengthening coordination and accountability frameworks, and expanding access to safe shelters. Equally important are community-based prevention and behavior change interventions that address harmful gender norms and promote trust in formal services.
By translating research evidence into programmatic and policy action, this study contributes to strengthening GBV response systems in fragile and low-resource contexts. It provides practical lessons for humanitarian and development actors seeking to improve coordination, accessibility, and quality of care for GBV survivors in South Sudan and similar settings.
A mixed-method design was used, engaging 520 household surveys, 20 key informant interviews, and 10 focus group discussions. Respondents included community members, GBV service providers, and local authorities. Sampling was stratified by gender, age, and displacement status to ensure inclusion of vulnerable groups such as youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Quantitative and qualitative data were triangulated to validate findings and ensure credibility.
The study established that 49% of respondents were unaware of available GBV referral services. Access to care was constrained by long distances, limited trained personnel, and weak coordination among health, legal, psychosocial, and protection actors. Livelihood and legal services were rated least effective and least affordable, while stigma, cultural norms, and fear of retaliation discouraged survivors from seeking help. Despite these challenges, positive developments were noted, including NGO-led awareness campaigns, improved inter-agency coordination, and expanded clinical management of rape services in selected facilities.
The assessment recommends decentralizing GBV services to community levels, investing in staff capacity through continuous, survivor-centered training, strengthening coordination and accountability frameworks, and expanding access to safe shelters. Equally important are community-based prevention and behavior change interventions that address harmful gender norms and promote trust in formal services.
By translating research evidence into programmatic and policy action, this study contributes to strengthening GBV response systems in fragile and low-resource contexts. It provides practical lessons for humanitarian and development actors seeking to improve coordination, accessibility, and quality of care for GBV survivors in South Sudan and similar settings.
Orador/a
| Nome | Título | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Nigusu Aboset Zelelke | DME Specialist | Nigusu Zelelke is a seasoned Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DM&E) Specialist at World Vision United States, working within the Evidence and Learning, Program Quality, and Impact Division. With over 18 years of progressive professional experience, he brings deep expertise in program design, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems across both development and humanitarian emergency contexts. In his current role, Nigusu provides strategic M&E leadership and technical oversight for the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance (HEA) grant portfolio across three regions: East Africa (EARO), Asia, and Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO). He also serves as Program Lead for the Empowered Aid 2.0 project, supporting the application of rigorous evidence, adaptive management, and impact driven programming within complex humanitarian settings. His work focuses on strengthening indicators, advancing impact measurement methodologies, enhancing program quality, and building the technical capacity of project staff implementing integrated humanitarian assistance programs. Nigusu has served as a principal investigator and team leader for numerous research studies, evaluations, and assessments in fragile and emergency affected contexts. His sectoral expertise spans Health, Gender Based Violence (GBV), Protection, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and Nutrition, with a strong grounding in community based and participatory approaches. Prior to joining World Vision U.S., Nigusu held senior MEAL and M&E roles with FHI 360, UNFPA, Save the Children International, Medical Emergency Relief International, Social Impact, and BRAC International. He has extensive experience working with major donors, including USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), USG, ECHO, DFID, the Netherlands Funds, PRM, the European Union, OCHA, UN agencies, and private donors. Nigusu holds a Master of Public Health, an MA in Sociology and Social Anthropology, and a Master’s in International Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid. He is deeply committed to evidence driven decision making, program quality, and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. |
| Lilian Wakhutu | Senior Research Executive | Lilian Wakhutu is an Economist and Statistician with over five years’ experience applying mixed-methods analysis to education and social development programs in fragile and conflict-affected contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa. She currently serves as a Senior Research Executive at Pan African Research Services, and leads economic and statistical analysis for multi-country studies informing program design, policy dialogue, and evidence-based decision-making. She has worked extensively in Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi, supporting research and evaluation in humanitarian settings. Lilian’s expertise includes econometric analysis, indicator development, and the design and implementation of evaluations aimed at understanding program effectiveness, equity, and sustainability. Her work supports donors, implementing partners, and government stakeholders to make informed decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments. Lilian is deeply passionate about contributing to humanitarian efforts and believes that rigorous evidence plays a critical role in improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. She is particularly motivated by work that strengthens systems, promotes equity, and supports children and communities affected by conflict and displacement. Lilian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics (First Class Honors) from the University of Nairobi and a certification in Project Management, and is committed to using data and research to advance inclusive, resilient development. |
| Pascal Rungo | M&E Specialist, Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project Phase II (ECRP II), World Vision South Sudan | I am a dedicated and highly skilled Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) professional with over 8 years of extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing data-driven projects within humanitarian and development contexts. Based in Juba, Central Equatoria State; and currently supporting a World Bank Project in Kuajok. I have demonstrated expertise across various sectors including gender and protection, food security, nutrition, WASH, health, and livelihoods. My approach emphasizes evidence-based programming, data analysis, and visualization to inform strategic decision-making and ensure impactful interventions. Throughout my career, I have led the development of multi-sector assessments that have significantly contributed to targeted response strategies in crisis-affected communities. I am renowned for my innovative, gender-sensitive M&E frameworks and indicators, which have improved measurement of women’s empowerment and gender equality outcomes. I have trained over 30 staff members and government officials in advanced data collection, analysis, and visualization techniques, strengthening local capacity for sustainable development. My proficiency in managing large datasets and conducting rigorous statistical analysis using tools such as DHIS, Power BI, and SPSS has enabled me to identify critical food insecurity trends and support adaptive programming. My collaborative efforts with government agencies, UN organizations, and local NGOs have fostered improved data sharing, coordination, and integrated response efforts. Currently I am serving as an M&E Specialist with World Vision South Sudan, and I continues to oversee research, needs assessments, and participatory monitoring initiatives that promote community resilience and inclusion. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Demography from the University of Juba, and I am pursuing a Master of Science in Public Health at Victoria University, Uganda. I am committed to promoting gender equality, capacity building, and innovative data solutions to address complex development challenges in fragile environments. My strong organizational skills, technical expertise, and passion for sustainable development make me a valuable asset to any organization working toward social impact and resilience. |